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items After spending a lot of money on backpacks that fell apart, zippers that failed, and accessories that didn't perform as promised, I finally found things that work. If it's on this list, I am currently using it. If I'm not using it or have replaced it...
Sections
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These are the backpacks I exclusively use
Clothes that I can wear, carry, and handwash (if needed)
Travel Data to make your life easier upon arrival
The essentials of my backpacking adventures
How to manage your travel money
Nice-to-haves that you can get later
These are the backpacks I exclusively use
I have tested a lot of backpacks. These are the ones I own and personally use.
This is my day pack when I'm leaving my big backpack at the hostel. It's so tiny and lightweight you won't notice you're carrying it. I don't leave Canada without it.
Ultralight Stuff Pack
The only bag you need for international travel. This fits in the overhead of pretty much every plane, meaning you get off the plane and you're on vacation instead of sitting by the luggage carousel.
Fairview® 40 Travel Pack - Women's Trekking Carry-On ...
I have this one in bright orange because I have a death-clutching fear of my bag rolling under the seat ahead of me and me not being able to see it.
Packable Backpacks For Travel
Clothes that I can wear, carry, and handwash (if needed)
I am a big big fan of carry less stuff so my travel wardrobe is highly curated.
It is really important to have dry feet when you travel. I wear Vessi on every single trip. They are extremely comfortable for all day walking on cobbles and will protect you in the rain.
Vessi: Waterproof Shoes in Everyday and Seasonal Styles
I live in the Departure Line when the weather is mild. These pants are one of my capsule wardrobe bottoms.
Women's Departure Ankle Pants
I live in the Departure Line when the weather is mild. This dress is part of my capsule wardrobe..
Departure Dress
Travel Data to make your life easier upon arrival
Everyone in my family uses an eSIM and loves it. We don't need to hit a store when we travel. We just come with data so we can call our Uber and get going.
FYI: the SIM and eSIM take time to set up. Test it before you travel so you are prepared when you arrive.
Surfroam
The essentials of my backpacking adventures
I consider these the must-haves for travel. Save your money on the stuff that doesn't work and buy the things that do.
The lightest packing cubes on the market and extremely durable. Mine have seen multiple countries and show no signs of wear at all!
Ultralight Packing Cube Set
If I have to carry it on my back, I use this toiletry bag.
Transporter Hanging Toiletry Kit - Convenient Organization
I'll confess these don't compress as well as the Sea to Summit, but they are considerably lighter. If you don't need to make a hockey puck out of your memory foam pillow, these work great for all my regular travel.
Ultralight Compression Bags
I have two. The small one makes my travel hotel pillow compress to the size of a hockey puck. The larger one takes all my laundry and makes it fit next to the travel purchases that took over my bag.
Sea to Summit Stuff & Compression Sacks
How to manage your travel money
If you are going to travel the world and sometimes want the ability to invoice clients abroad, this very short list contains everything you need.
If you're a digital nomad or travel content creator, you need this to solve your international invoicing problem.
You’ve been invited to Wise – Join and get a discount.
Nice-to-haves that you can get later
I get a lot of use out of these. At some point you'll probably want to add these to your travel kit.
I have two in different sizes. The big one is for Europe. The small one is for washing my bathing suit on weekends away.
Scrubba Wash Bag - Portable Laundry System
This is the smaller version that I take on weekend trips. I saw the damage chlorine did to my swimsuits and I wanted to be able to really get the chlorine scrubbed out immediately.
Scrubba Wash Bag Mini Ultra-Compact Washing
I have a little pack in my Scrubba bags. Just add a few sheets and start scrubbing. I do not like to carry liquid soap because it's needlessly heavy.
Sea To Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Laundry Wash
I really get a lot of use from this. Regardless of how you wash your undies and your bathing suits, finding a drying system makes quick washes reasonable.
Sea to Summit Lite Line Camping Clothesline
This bag is exactly as described: nano. It's unbelievably durable for its weight. I got two so I could carry laundry and groceries in Europe.
Nanobag - The ultimate ultralight bag – Nanobag Official Store
Things to read on the plane
No matter the format, these books will hype you up for your trip. I recommend reading them on the plane to get your brain ready for adventure!
A great book for the adventure-minded
Around the World in 80 Trains: A 45,000-Mile
A very entertaining read
We Came, We Saw, We Left: A Family Gap Year
A lot of food for thought on this one. It's charming and addictive.
At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging
A little cliche for my tastes but the travel vibe is spot on
Eat Pray Love: One Woman's Search for Everything